I'm in a weird place with my faith right now. I wouldn't say I'm a Christian but I wouldn't say I'm an atheist. I'm kind of just existing and taking the world in right now. Knowing this about me, it might seem strange that I go to church on Sunday and Wednesday (for the young adult group) and am a part of the worship team for the Christmas Eve service this year. So... why am I doing this if I feel so confused about my faith?

Well, I've learned that you don't have to be a Christian to go to church. Honestly, even if I were to become an atheist, I'd still go. Putting aside all the little details that are so easy to disagree with, in its broad sense, church is a place where you're supposed to feel welcomed. It's a place where people are eager to learn how to better themselves and treat people kindly. It's a place where people reflect and think and share and cry and admit fault and defeat and accept victory. Even if you don't believe in Jesus or God, these are things that are beneficial for everyone to have in their life.

Yet, it's extremely difficult to do this! It's so hard to be in a room surrounded by other people who don't believe what you believe. It's so insanely intimidating and scary. It makes you feel like a liar for even being there and somehow lesser than everyone in the room for not sharing their beliefs. And this makes it even harder to not judge other people for believing something that sounds so preposterous to you. But usually, the pastor comes up and says that everyone is welcomed regardless of if they believe or not, as if he or she can hear my thoughts. Or maybe it's just a common thing people think, that if they don't agree, they don't belong. It's funny how you can fall into that mind-trap at a religious institution that instructs people to love and acceptance each other.

If you've been afraid to explore your local religious centers (church, synagogue, mosque, etc) don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and give them a try. It'll surprise you how much you'll learn. Both about their religious teachings and yourself.